Bromeliads

Graptopetalum paraguayensis , or the “ghost plant”, is a great, trailing, wandering, ground cover. We love the colors that this plant brings out in a design, complementing the blues, pinks, and purples that so many of the gorgeous succulents have to offer. Each plant has its own unique coloring and shades to offer. It’s extreme hardiness and coloring make it an incredibly versatile plant. We’ve seen it used as a sprawling ground cover, mounding up and filling in entire planters, or for spot color in the smallest of arrangements. Something overlooked, or sometimes unknown about succulents, is that stress brings out their best color. It’s often a combination of factors that causes the stress and each succulents vibrance, but colder temperatures, less water, and more sun, are the big three factors that come into play. Most succulents, in full sun, in the winter, receiving just the right amount of water, will have the best color here in Southern California. With that being said, there is no “one size fits all” answer to bringing out the best color in each plant. Experiment, tweak, and enjoy playing with your succulents.

More Succulent Tips

Jade Succulents

There are many varieties of Jade, all of which are now available at our Irvine location. Some varities like, Hobbit & Gollum, are great for bonsai plants and container gardners because of their overall size(3'), while the tradional Crassula Ovata "Jade" can grow...

Agave Joe Hoak

A hardy sport of “The Variegated Smooth Agave” , agave ‘Joe Hoak’, has a soft creme and green paintbrush stroke down the center of each leaf. Each leaf also varies in variegation, but a tricolor appearance sets it apart from its regular variegated counterpart. This...

Aeonium Cyclops

Why do you think they call it this Aeonium Cyclops? We think it’s because this hybrid cross of Aeonium Zwartkop and Undulatum grows solitary and uniquely purple with a soft green center. During the winter growing months the leafs will open up and become more green,...

A Fantastic Story (Kalanchoe Fantastic)

Graptopetalum paraguayensis , or the "ghost plant", is a great, trailing, wandering, ground cover. We love the colors that this plant brings out in a design, complementing the blues, pinks, and purples that so many of the gorgeous succulents have to offer. Each plant...

An Aeoniums Abilities

Aeoniums are some of the most gorgeous plants available, succulent or not. They fit a number of landscape themes and can be used for their vibrant colors, varying shapes, beautiful rosettes, as much as their low water needs. Tall, short, purple, green, we grow only a...

Blue Curls Echeveria

Echeveria ‘Blue Curls’ is a plant that an entire design can be built around. The colors, shapes, and overall appearance of this echeveria can influence an entire landscape or arrangement. Green, blue, purple, wavy, rosette forming leaves make this plant a true...

Irvine Heat Wave – Aeoniums React

All plants have their preferred climates. The majority of succulents are native to South Africa and the Mediterranean, while they can tolerate droughts, they do not thrive in them. Desert loving cactus will thrive through extreme temperatures, blazing hot sun, and...

Alluadia Procera (Madagascan Ocotillo)

Rarely caring leaves, this intriguing succulent tree is full of character. Long, wandering, round stems are covered in vicious grey spines. When it carries leafs, during the spring, the branches are laced with alternating spines and vibrant green, round, sprouts....

Yucca Rostrata

Colors are fun to play with in the garden. Use the blue leaves of the Yucca Rostrata to transition to a blue hued garden. Focus on the Rostrata for a focal point, an Agave ‘Blue Glow’ or ‘Celsii Nova’ for medium height, and finish off with Sedum Clavatum and Turquoise...